Friday, April 16, 2010

Taxation Without Representation

If you have ever visited or live in the Nation’s Capitol, you probably have seen the slogan Taxation Without Representation on the license plates of vehicles registered in the District of Columbia. This is a reference to the fact that DC residents do not have the same voting representation as those in the 50 states.

Today, President Obama made a statement to announce his intention to add DC Voting Representation to his agenda. To quote the President:

On this occasion, we remember the day in 1862 when President Lincoln freed the enslaved people of Washington, DC – nine months before he issued the Emancipation Proclamation. I am proud that an original copy of that document now hangs in the Oval Office, and we remain forever grateful as a nation for the struggles and sacrifices of those Americans who made that emancipation possible.

Americans from all walks of life are gathering in Washington today to remind members of Congress that although DC residents pay federal taxes and serve honorably in our armed services, they do not have a vote in Congress or full autonomy over local issues. And so I urge Congress to finally pass legislation that provides DC residents with voting representation and to take steps to improve the Home Rule Charter.

It will be interesting to see where this all goes... and what impact it will have upon those who live in the District.